This cross-sectional study was carried out from January to June 2006 to find out the anthropometric profile of the urban seniors living in three selected areas (Nakhal Para, Badda and Mirpur) of Dhaka city. A total of 317 individuals of both sexes aged 60 years and above were recruited by convenient sampling. Data were collected by a pre-tested questionnaire and a check list. Mean body mass index, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio were 17.8 ± 4.0, 75.5 ± 12.5 cm and 0.87 ± 0.12, respectively. Although only 3% elderly were obese, substantial proportion of the sample were overweight. Females were more prone to health risks than male. Measures should be taken to create awareness amongst these populations for controlling their health risk.

Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2010; 4(2): 59-62

Key words: Anthropometry, elderly, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR).

Address for Correspondence: Prof. Md. Anisur Rahman, Professor and Head, Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Preventive & Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Mohakhali, Dhaka-1212. Mobile: 01199880233, [email protected]